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Thursday, May 08, 2003
Serna: Leyte Dance Troupe combines old, new
By Roger Serna
Sounds & Images
Some members of the media, a number of employes of this paper and others from the government, business and private sectors were gathered at the poolside on the 14th floor of the Keppel bldg. at the Cebu Business Park immediately after dusk the other Monday for an important occasion.
It was the launching of the book titled Rough Edges authored by this paper’s general manager, Orlando P. Carvajal. The book is a compilation of the author’s columns written over the years. It started in a sister publication somewhere in Mindanao and was carried over to this paper when he assumed the post a few years back.
It contains nuggets of wisdom that inspire the soul especially when one is at a crossroads in life or facing challenges and other moments of uncertainty. Some of his colleagues and friends were asked to read some pieces. The author himself quoted another piece when he delivered his message.
From the reading alone, yours truly concluded that the book is a treasure and a necessity as a constant companion in our journey through life. It’s sold at an affordable price and can be acquired at this paper’s office.
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Before I forget, let me greet the wonderful people of Mandaue city, especially its officials, a happy fiesta. Last night, 20 lovely ladies vied for the coveted and prestigious title Miss Mandaue City 2003 at the spacious and air-conditioned Mandaue City Cultural and Sports Complex (MCCSC) located at the city’s reclamation area.
This is also the venue for the other fiesta activities which started last April 29 and included the presentation of the candidates and their respective talents (on separate nights); the dancesport competition dubbed Dance with Joy; and the cultural show, presented by the Jess de Paz Leyte Dance Theater (LDT), called Danhani last Monday. It was sponsored by the Liga ng mga Barangay under Joy Z. Ouano who is also the fiesta’s entertainment committee chairperson and assisted by our good friend, Angela dela Merced.
A disco concert called Hot na Hot, Fiesta Fever featuring the group Suburbia will be held tonight. Finally, the long-running Miss Gay Mandaue 2003 will cap the festivities tomorrow.
Once again, happy fiesta, Mandaue city!
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Danhani, roughly translated as a “colorful past” or “heritage,” was chosen by famous choreographer Jess Paz for his LDT as the title of his cultural showcase of Filipino dances which he presented at the MCCSC last Sunday night.
As I had mentioned, Joy Z. Ouano facilitated the cultural package’s recent stopover. The show opened with a dramatic piece that highlighted the longings for freedom by the Filipinos led by Dr. Jose Rizal.
It ended with the dancers’ tapis being held together to form a national flag. The dance carried me away to a certain point that when Lupang Hinirang was sung I felt I was singing with more gusto and fervor.
The choreographer ingeniously incorporated ballet maneuvers with traditional dance steps. As he explained later during the show, it was his way of keeping the dances in tune with the times and of keeping the interest in local dances by viewers who have been influenced by constant barrage of foreign music and culture.
Even the often seen Tinikling had a Broadway flavor that made it more exciting and breathtaking. The very taxing Sarimanok, with all the glittery and colorful costumes, difficult and fluid movements (including those on top of the bamboo poles) had me trying to keep my eyes form blinking otherwise I might miss a step or two.
Congratulations to the LDT for giving a different color to the often seen folk dances. For this, Jess de Paz deserves a warm handshake and a pat on the back.
Keep coming, Jess, and help educate the slowly “westernized” youth of Cebu and nearby places on the beauty of our own culture.
(May 8, 2003 issue)
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